5 Finds for Valentines: A Garden Variety

Need gift ideas for the food and nature lovers in your life? Last week I was fortunate to be amongst thousands of these folks at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle, a veritable mecca for all of us nourished by green things. With a maze of lush garden design and landscape displays, vintage finds, a garden marketplace, and over 100 smart seminars from accomplished authors and gardeners, there is something special around every turn. These artists and exhibitors made my heart skip a beat.

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3. Natural Olive Oil Soaps by Circle Creek Home, 4 for $24. Heavenly scents and hand-poured, these soaps have all the good things with none of the bad. Essential oils of peppermint, tea tree, licorice, rosemary, and spearmint lend aromatherapy "aaaahs." Absolutely try the licorice scent; it is rather addictive.

4. Pressed Fruits & Vegetable Art by Julie Anne, Pressed Flower Artist. (prices vary) Paper thin slices of vibrant kiwi, blood orange, black radish, carrot, starfruit, and lemons are dried to form a gourmet take on stained glass. Through tedious steps of slicing, dehydrating, pressing, and matting, these natural beauties take on new form. Photographs do not do it justice, so trust my taste for these! Varying sizes fit any kitchen space. Custom orders upon request.

6. Growing at the Speed of Life, by Graham Kerr. Known the world 'round as the Galloping Gourmet, Mr. Kerr has turned his approach to food completely around. Today, at 80 years young, his gusto for sharing a healthy life--fueled by a 420-square-foot kitchen garden--is contagious. He nurtures his wife of nearly 60 years to her best health, saying, "I relish the time that I can take to nourish people with my food." After all, isn't doing what you can to nourish loved ones the very best Valentine?

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